Authentic Thai in the Region: Kanitar Thai Restaurant and Jai Thai
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Authentic Thai in the Region: Kanitar Thai Restaurant and Jai Thai

Inspired by the beginnings at the ARANI Thai Restaurant, which is well-renowned for their incredible authentic dishes serving the Geelong community, the current team took over the business eight years ago, and has since expanded into three separate venues. With a clear high demand for their dishes, ARANI management opened sister restaurants Kanitar along Malop Street in 2015, and proceeded to open Jai Thai in Lara last year.

Rotating the cooks between the three venues, you can be sure the food is consistently amazing and to the high standard you deserve. The rotation also allows you to get your ARANI Thai fix at any of the three venues.

When you’re hungry for delicious Thai cuisine in Geelong and Lara, walk in or make a booking and enjoy their signature authentic dishes, such as classic Pad Thai, the thick and creamy Gang Massaman potato curry, Tom Yum served with prawns or the Pad Med Ma Muang. You can also start off with a range of entrees that will have you wanting more, including delicate hand-made Thai Style Curry Puffs and Spring Rolls, Satay Chicken with Peanut Sauce, an amazing Gai Tod served with Sweet Chilli Sauce. And even the traditional Roti Bread served with satay sauce for your dipping needs.

If you’re open to trying something new, we recommend trying the stir fried chilli, garlic and sweet basil (Pad Grapow), the tangy and spicy stir fried noodle (Drunken Noodles) or the Chef’s Special which offers a seafood combination served on a sizzling hot plate. There’s even the fried whole Barramundi to try, which has an option of either a sweet and sour chilli sauce (Plaa Sam Rod), roasted rice and Thai herbs and spices (Larb Plaa) or a thick red curry flavouring (Chu Chee Plaa) – you won’t regret it.

There’s also a range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options, with a specific menu currently in the works to make it a smooth ordering process for all, so no stress on the dietaries.

Ensuring everyone leaves with a full stomach, the family-based team ensure dishes are hearty and generous serves – and with most mains priced at around $15.50, these prices are a steal and have stayed the same since opening, a credit to the restaurant in maintaining customer value and quality as their number one priority.

To top it all off, with every good meal you should be able to enjoy a beverage or two – and with these prices, you can have three or four without breaking the bank. $6 Jim Beams, basic spirits at $6.50, a couple of Thai beers and a number of local wines, as well as beers and ciders are on offer too. Fully licensed, you’re even able to BYO at all venues – meaning you can bring your favourite bottle of red for just a $4 fee – perfect.

While you get to enjoy the same food and the same menu at all restaurants, each venue differs in the vibe and experience you get. ARANI is very modern and contemporary and has been a popular spot for a number of years due to its intimate size – it’s small on space, but assuringly big on sharing and warm Thai hospitality. Kanitar however is perfect for larger groups and families, boasting large open spaces, comfy chairs and a relaxed vibe where you can sit back with a glass of wine well into the evening. Jai Thai is a whole new feel altogether, which encompasses a rustic theme, concrete, brick and render – you wouldn’t think it was a Thai Restaurant – that is until the food hits the table of course. It’s not remotely authentic looks-wise, but nor is it trying to be and that’s why we love it.

With renovations currently under way at Kanitar, keep your eyes peeled for a brand new bar with beer on tap!

For your convenience, gift vouchers can be redeemed at any of the venues – so next time you need a last minute gift for mum, they’ve got you covered.

Now on board with Uber Eats and menulog, Thai nights should be on the cards for you this Summer – whether you want to dine in, takeaway or order in. What we can promise is that it’s Authentic Thai done right.

ARANI Thai Restaurant
136 Malop Street, Geelong
(03) 5222 1737
Monday – Friday 11am – 2:30pm (3pm if busy), 5pm – 9:30pm
Saturday 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9:30pm
Sunday 5pm – 9:30pm

Kanitar Thai Restaurant

39 Malop Street, Geelong
(03) 5229 1562
Tuesday – Sunday 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Jai Thai
14 The Centreway, Lara
(03) 5282 8577
Tuesday – Friday 11am – 2pm, 4pm-9pm
Saturday & Sunday 4pm – 9pm